BSGBoosterSeatGuide

State law page

Tennessee Booster Seat Laws & Requirements (2026)

Under 1 yr or 20 lbs or less in rear-facing child safety seat, following manufacturer instructions | 1-3 yrs and over 20 lbs in harnessed child safety seat, following manufacturer instructions | 4-9 yrs and shorter than 4'9" in booster seat, following manufacturer instructions (until 9th birthday) | 9 yrs or younger and taller than 4'9", seat belt and in rear seat if available | Rear seat recommended for 9-12 yrs

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FieldTennessee snapshot
Age requirementUnder 1 yr or 20 lbs or less in rear-facing child safety seat, following manufacturer instructions | 1-3 yrs and over 20 lbs in harnessed child safety seat, following manufacturer instructions | 4-9 yrs and shorter than 4'9" in booster seat, following manufacturer instructions (until 9th birthday) | 9 yrs or younger and taller than 4'9", seat belt and in rear seat if available | Rear seat recommended for 9-12 yrs
Height requirementSee child-restraint rule; includes height language where listed.
Weight requirementSee child-restraint rule; includes weight language where listed.
Fine / penaltyVerify fine with state source; GHSA notes first-offense fines vary by state.
Last checkedGHSA reviewed by SHSOs June 2025; extracted 2026-07-23
Verification levelIndex source; official state verification pending
Child restraint requiredUnder 1 yr or 20 lbs or less in rear-facing child safety seat, following manufacturer instructions | 1-3 yrs and over 20 lbs in harnessed child safety seat, following manufacturer instructions | 4-9 yrs and shorter than 4'9" in booster seat, following manufacturer instructions (until 9th birthday) | 9 yrs or younger and taller than 4'9", seat belt and in rear seat if available | Rear seat recommended for 9-12 yrs
Adult safety belt permissible9 yrs and older if taller than 4'9"
Verification levelIndex source; official state verification pending

Sources

Law and source links

Index source: https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws-issues/child-passengers

Statute/source text: GHSA child passenger law summary; Safe Kids state law tracker cross-check

Safety guidance

Even when Tennessee law allows a seat belt, NHTSA, CDC, and AAP guidance may still recommend a booster until the vehicle belt fits properly.

Requirements guide

Understand age, height, weight, and seat belt fit.

Read requirements

Age guide

See when children typically start and stop using boosters.

Read age guide